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The disease, which also causes vertigo and loss of balance, meant he was forced to sell his work tools to buy a mobility scooter to help him keep his independence.

Campaigner Steven now drives around his neighbourhood up to four times a week clearing up with his Yorkshire terriers, Ant and Dec.

Steven, who claims he sends West Somerset council video evidence and has set up several Facebook groups on the issue, was investigated by police after spray painting the ground to encourage people to pick up the mess.

And the dad-of-four said wife Tracy, 41, and children Becky, 21, Danielle 19, Amy, 17, and 13-year-old Tasha are supportive of his efforts but worry about the abuse he receives.

Tracy said: 'He shouldn't even have to pick up other people's dog poo but he does and he's just trying to keep Minehead a nice place.

"These people are just throwing it back in his face and it's not fair.

"He's not a well man and he's just trying to do something positive and keep his mind active because he can't work anymore.

"The letters were horrible, my husband suffers from depression anyway and that just sent him off and we still don't know who did it.

"He's a good man - he has a heart of gold, I think some nasty people just target people with disabilities.'

Police confirmed the abusive letters, which were delivered in April, have been investigated by police but said the culprit had not been caught.

Local Beat Manager PC Jo Sanderson, from Avon and Somerset Police, said: "I can confirm that we were asked to investigate some incidents of graffiti.

"No charges have been brought at this time.

"We have also investigated some incidents of malicious written communications, which is a separate enquiry.

"Local officers have been updating the involved parties.'West Somerset Council declined to comment on the matter.